08/06/2026
We’re backing the campaign to reduce VAT for hospitality from 20% to 10% 👍🥂
Right now, the UK has one of the highest hospitality VAT rates in Europe. Every meal out, pint, coffee, hotel stay or event ticket comes with 20% VAT attached.
Compare that to:
- Germany: 7%
- France: 10%
- Spain: 10%
- Italy: 10%
So when people ask why hospitality is under so much pressure, this is a huge part of the answer. UK venues are trying to absorb rising costs while paying far more VAT than many of our European neighbours. UKHospitality’s campaign says 10% is fair for hospitality, bringing the UK closer in line with countries such as France, Spain, Italy and Germany.
A lower VAT rate helps protect pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels, bars, nightclubs, festivals and the local jobs that come with them. When venues close, communities lose more than places to eat and drink. They lose meeting spots, first jobs, local character, high street footfall and places where people come together.
Please support the campaign and sign the petition here: https://loom.ly/RUzHytc